10 Healthy Tips to Keep You in the Saddle

Jacqui Mayes holds a BSc in Nutritional Therapy. She has a busy practice near Farnham in Surrey and works with people to change their diet for health. She has a varied client base, supporting people with Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, CFS, IBS, Allergies, Heart Disease and Female Health issues. For more information about the service she offers, log onto www.jacquimayes.co.uk or call 07710 098 280

10 Principles for Health

We might be great at making sure our horses are healthy and have the best diet and nutrition, but in this busy world we live in, what about giving a thought for our own nutrition and food choices. Listed below are 10 important principles which not only give you easy ways of eating well for the rest of your life but are a good basis to help you ensure that you stay as healthy as possible and enjoy life to the full!

Principle 1; Eat a wide variety of food. Eating a diverse diet maximises nutrient intake and reduces over-exposure to common foods associated with adverse reactions. So many of us make the same dietary choices every day, so why not try and liven up your diet and introduce some new foods and tastes each week?

Principle 2; Eat wholegrains. Wholegrains are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and plant chemicals, all of which help regulate important processes in the body. Refined grains, which are found in white bread, white rice, white pasta, biscuits, cakes and confectionery are seriously depleted in minerals which are not replaced. For example 98% of chromium and 77% of zinc is lost in processing, both of which are important minerals needed to keep us healthy.

Principle 3: Stay Hydrated. Water is undoubtedly one of the most important compounds in our body systems. We are made of almost 70% water. Most chemical reactions require water and it is vital for cleansing the body of toxins. Drinking 6 – 8 glasses of quality water each day will ensure your body doesn’t get dehydrated.

Principle 4: Eat at least 5 vegetables and fruit each day. Fruit and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fibre, water and plant chemicals all of which are needed to help the body function efficiently. Choose a red, orange, yellow, green, white and purple vegetable or fruit every day because each colour relates to a different plant chemical, each with particular health benefits.

Principle 5: Eat good quality proteins. The word protein comes from the Greek word proto meaning ‘first’ or ‘primary’ because proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are the primary building blocks of all cells, enzymes and body reactions. We need protein for growth, repair, energy production, immunity, digestion and many many other important functions. Good quality protein can be found in lean meat, fish, eggs, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds

Principle 6: Eat little and often. Eating the right kind of breakfast, lunch, dinner and regular snacks will ensure that your body has a steady supply of nutrients to produce energy and stabilise you blood sugar levels. This avoids energy peaks and troughs and stops the body having to produce hormones like insulin or cortisol to regulate systems and keep the body going.

Principle 7: Choose the right kind of Carbohydrates. The quality of carbohydrates in your diet is vitally important. Carbohydrates from refined grains (all white flour products), sugary and processed food can affect your blood sugar levels, negatively effecting energy levels. In addition to energy fluctuations, a sugary diet can negatively affect your mood and cause weight gain. A diet high in sugar may also cause inflammation.
Principle 8: Eat good quality fats found in nuts, seeds, their oils and particularly in oily fish. We are unable to make the essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids ourselves and have to gain them through our diet. These fats are vital for our brains and all cell membranes. They also play an important role in controlling inflammation.

Principle 10: A little change can make a big difference. This list might seem like a huge amount to take on, but remember trying one principle each week can build up to a whole lot of change and can make a whole lot of difference to your energy, health, weight and wellbeing. So go on and give it a try. Isn’t it time take control of your diet, it might just be the thing you need to make the difference between you being a happy hacker or a grand prix champion!